Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 23 November, 2014
“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done
whatsoever he hath pleased” (Psalm 115:3)
Morning Service – 11:00 AM
Absalom and His Rebellion (8)
Absalom Steals the Hearts of the Men of Israel [youtube]
Scripture Reading: II Samuel 15:1-23
Text: II Samuel 15:1-6
I. The Entourage of a King?
II. The Justice of a King?
III. The Graciousness of a King?
Psalms: 92:1-7a; 86:13-17; 119:89-96; 89:1-6
Evening Service – 6:00 PM
Praying for the Doing of God’s Will [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Psalm 103
Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 49
I. Worldviews
II. Eschatology
III. Angels
Psalms: 122:1-9; 87:1-7; 2:4-11; 103:17-22
For CDs of the sermons and DVDs of the worship services, contact Stephen Murray
If you desire a pastoral visit, please contact Rev. Stewart or the elders
CPRC Website: www.cprc.co.uk • Live Webcast: https://cprc.co.uk/live-streaming/
CPRC YouTube: www.youtube.com/cprcni
CPRC Facebook: www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC
Quote to Consider
Roger Ellsworth: “Many of us have a love we would do well to let go, a love that threatens to bring us great harm if we persist in clinging to it. Drinking, pornography, an adulterous affair, drugs, money—there is no shortage of dangerous loves. David’s dangerous love was for his son Absalom. He should have let go of him. Absalom was a truly despicable human being. He thought of no one but himself. He was proud and arrogant. He was deceptive and dishonourable. He was a coldblooded killer. But David refused to let go of this dangerous love. He sold principle down the river in favour of his personal feelings for this deadly viper of a son. How many today are repeating David’s error! How many subject principle to feeling!” (The Shepherd King, p. 237).
William Blackburn: “Well has it been written, ‘He that trifles with the affections, or steals the heart of another, for his own pleasure, or interest, is equally unprincipled,’ as he who robs a bank, or plunders his neighbour’s goods. In God’s sight, it may be a greater crime. ‘He that seduces a young person from his duty and regard to his parents; he that lures a young inquirer from the Christian minister or friend who is guiding him; above all, he that tries to withdraw one from his duty to God, and from the love of Christ, on pretence of making him happier elsewhere, is not only guilty of stealing, but is committing his daring theft on the most hallowed ground and on the falsest pretences. Let the young and inexperienced beware of those who attempt to steal away their hearts from their parents, their teachers, their ministers, their more grave and serious friends’” (The Rebel Prince, pp. 127-128).
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
Rev. Stewart’s bi-monthly letter to the PRC is available on the back table.
Monday Catechism:
Taylor, Josh, Corey, Bradley & Samuel (Beginners OT, book 1-TEST) – 5:30PM
Alex, Nathan, Jacob & Joseph (Seniors NT) – 6:15PM (Test on 8 December)
Timothy & Chris (Essentials of Reformed Doctrine) – 7:00PM
The Tuesday Bible study meets at 11 AM to study “The Kingdom of God as the Sphere of Blessedness.”
The Belgic Confession Class this Wednesday at 7:45 PM to study Article 24 on “The Standard of Sanctification.”
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s Day (Gospel 846MW at 8:30 AM) is entitled “Holy Commitment to the Preaching” (Acts 20:28).
S. Wales Lecture: Rev. McGeown will be speaking in The Round Chapel, Port Talbot on 18 December at 7:15 PM.
The church visitors (Prof. & Lori Gritters and Dave & Mary Kregel) are coming from 8-19 January. They plan to visit the CPRC first and then the LRF.
Offerings: General Fund – £851.90.
Website Additions: 2 Hungarian and 3 Spanish translations.
PRC News: Rev. Jon Mahtani has the call to be 2nd missionary to the Philippines.
Encouraging Quotes:
“Thanks very much … I’m up to CD 5 on volume 1 [of ‘The Prophet Jonah’] so far, and like the unhurried pace of the teaching, which is very relaxing and gives you a chance to absorb it properly. I found the article about the Pope in the Standard Bearer you kindly added to the package extremely interesting!!” – England
“I enjoy your CD/DVD messages very much and get great blessing from them and have a daily service. As I feel that life on this earth is drawing to a close, I am comforted daily by Hebrews 13:5b. I trust that the church in Ballymena is growing and the Lord is truly helping.” – Scotland
“Thanks for the Covenant Reformed News. We have enjoyed reading each article, especially about the ‘dove,’ revivals and prayers for the rulers and many other issues.” – S. Wales
“I found this article [on Montanism] to be very insightful and fair. Thanks for writing it!” – USA
“Thank you for sending Herman Hoeksema’s book Whosoever Will. Any writing that supports the glorious, priceless doctrine of election is always a delight to me! May our wonderful and beloved saviour continue always to bless all that you do in His glorious name.” – England
“I viewed your debate on cessationism. I rejoiced to see your steady and unwavering affirmation of the authority of Scripture and the temperate manner in which you addressed your opponents. Thank you my brother for also declaring the sovereignty of God in salvation. I noticed you have some other debates posted so I will be checking them out in the future.” – California, USA
“Perhaps you could help me. Looking through back issues of the Standard Bearer, I found that I am missing the first three articles in the series ‘Revelation, Inspiration and Infallibility’ … Some of the booklets you sent to me are being studied by some of our friends—not much feedback as yet though. There is not much good pasture these days. More people have to rely on CD, DVD, internet, books, etc., ministry such as the CPRC provides to get sound spiritual nourishment. I thank God for such ministry!” – England
“Please find enclosed cheque to cover the cost of the DVDs ordered tonight. Thanks for your help. Wishing you God’s richest blessing in your ministry.”– Co. Antrim
“I have just checked the Swahili version of ‘Christ Our Ransom’ and I think it’s okay. I’m increasingly pleased that I also participate in getting translation work done. Glory be to Jesus! … Arminianism is the most illogical viewpoint I’ve every heard!” – Kenya
“Greetings in Christ Jesus our Lord. I truly appreciate your ministry. I found your website about 1 1/2 years ago and the Lord has greatly used it to change my life and solidify my doctrinal base. Please send [the CPRC bulletin with] new audio downloads.” – N. Carolina, USA
“Thank you for the books. As usual we continue to get well taught by the CPRC books and CDs. We are watching the DVDs from the BRF conference at the moment and are thoroughly enjoying them!” – Scotland
“Would you please send me a copy of God’s Everlasting Covenant of Grace by Prof. Hanko. The interview with Prof. Hanko has ‘whet my appetite’ to read it. I’m looking forward to thinking more about the wonderful covenant that God made with Christ and with us in Him. Would you also send me 1 copy of the booklet, ‘Is the Denial of the Well-Meant Offer Hypercalvinism?’ by Prof. Engelsma and 1 copy of ‘An Interpretation of Ezekiel 33’ by H. Hoeksema … Thank you for your letter with the 2 BRF books. I have read them and also re-read The Work of the Holy Spirit. They have all been such a blessing, as have been the CDs of this year’s conference. I’m now listening to them again.” – England
“I am a first year seminary student in South Carolina. I heard your debate with Rev. Foster and find your arguments compelling to say the least. Can you please send me a reading list on exclusive psalmody and on the regulative principle of worship?” – S. Carolina, USA
“We have enjoyed listening to the lectures you and Rev. McGeown deliver in S. Wales. Sometimes I feel sorry that more people couldn’t come and listen to the messages. We found the one about the marriage of Luther and Katie very interesting and well informed … So once again thanks for your ministry for us although we are a small number of people. We appreciate your commitment and service for us.”– S. Wales
